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Aviation News

Day: March 17, 2021

First ANG F-35 pilot to graduate from USAF Weapons School

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Maj. Howard “Cash” Shaner, from the 134th Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, is the first F-35A pilot from the Air National Guard to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School.

Maj. Howard “Cash” Shaner, F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, exits an F-35 at the Vermont Air National Guard base, South Burlington, Vermont, March 12, 2021. Shaner is the first ever Air National Guard F-35 pilot to graduate from the highly competitive U.S. Air Force Weapons School. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Mrs. Julie M. Paroline)

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Three B-2s carried out hot-pit refueling and crew swap at Lajes Field, Portugal

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Three B-2 stealth bombers flew from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri to Lajes Field, Portugal on Mar. 16 in support of upcoming Bomber Task Force missions.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tony Nogales, left, and Airman 1st Class Byron Humphrey, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chiefs, conclude preflight checks in support of a Bomber Task Force at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, March 16, 2021. The B-2 Spirit’s low-observable, or “stealth,” characteristics give it the ability to penetrate an enemy’s most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most-valued, heavily defended targets while avoiding adversary detection, tracking and engagement. Its participation in recurring Bomber Task Force operations and engagements with our allies and partners demonstrate and strengthen our shared commitment to global security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

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